On The Fly: Goodell Finally Speaks

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in the category of better-late-than-never, finally offered his version of a fireside chat Friday to help express his views, and more importantly explain them, as they relate to the problems his business is currently having.

Among many things, Goodell said there have been too many examples of "doing wrong" and "that starts with me." He also said he did not consider resigning after the Ray Rice scandal broke but that the league hadn't acted quickly or emphatically enough concerning domestic abuse cases.

Goodell also said the league would implement a new personal conduct policy with the goal of finalizing it before the Super Bowl in February. He also said he would establish a "conduct committee" to ensure that the new policies and practices are followed.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens continued to distance themselves from Rice. Thousands lined up outside M&T Bank Stadium to exchange his No. 27 jersey in a team-organized event. In fact, some waited more than two hours to trade for other players' jerseys.

In case you are wondering, Major League Baseball and the players' union are to begin negotiations to establish policies and punishments for domestic violence. The NBA and NHL likely won't be far behind.

Not that she needs help making the team, but UConn junior Breanna Stewart scored a team-high nine points to lead the USA senior national squad to a 72-66 win over Australia Friday in the France International Tournament in Paris. The USA, prepping for the start of play Sept. 27 in the World Championship, led at halftime, 28-27. All 15 players saw at least eight minutes of playing time and all 15 scored. Stefanie Dolson played nine minutes with two points and three fouls.

So, how does everyone feel about the New England Black Wolves? That's the name of Connecticut's new professional lacrosse franchise. The team's logo features the silhouette of a howling wolf amid a black and orange color scheme. Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said the name references the tribe's history; Mohegan Tribe was once part of the Wolf Clan of the Delaware Nation.

The 143rd season of Yale football kicks off Saturday, one day after Yale Bowl's seasonlong 100th birthday celebration did. The opponent is Lehigh. But it's next Saturday's game that has The Fly buzzing. Army, which plays UConn at Yankee Stadium Nov. 8, is at the Bowl on Sept. 27 and its bringing its cadets who will be marching into the stadium before the game. Now that's a show worth seeing.